Introduction
Dog shows have been popular televised events for decades, offering viewers an inside look into the competitive world of canine competitions. While dog shows have a long history dating back to the 19th century in England, it wasn’t until the 1960s that they became a phenomenon on American television. The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, first held in 1877, began airing on live TV in 1948. Over the years, other prominent dog shows followed suit, including the National Dog Show presented by Purina, which premiered on NBC in 2002 and airs on Thanksgiving Day.
Part of the appeal of dog shows on TV is getting to see such a wide variety of dog breeds up close, as handlers carefully groom and present their dogs before judges and crowds. There’s also the excitement of seeing which dogs will be named “Best in Show,” the highest award at any major dog show. Beyond showcasing dogs, these televised contests also offer a glimpse into the relationships between dogs and their owners. Ultimately, for many households, watching dog shows has become a beloved Thanksgiving tradition.
Today’s Dog Show Event
The 2023 National Dog Show is airing on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, at 12pm EST on NBC. This annual dog show takes place at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pennsylvania and is hosted by The Kennel Club of Philadelphia.
The National Dog Show is one of the oldest benched dog shows in the United States. It has been held annually since 1933 and attracts over 2,000 dogs each year, making it one of the largest dog shows in the country. Dogs compete to be named Best in Show, along with other top honors like Best in Group and Reserve Best in Group https://www.nbcsports.com/national-dog-show/news/what-to-know-about-the-2023-national-dog-show-on-thanksgiving-day.
The NBC telecast is hosted by commentary from David Frei and John O’Hurley. Viewers can tune in to cheer on their favorite breeds as expert judges assess each dog’s structure, movement, and temperament against their breed standard.
What to Expect
A typical dog show follows a standard format and judging process across categories. The main categories at most major dog shows are puppy, novice, open, limit, winners, and best of breed (The Ultimate Guide To Dog Shows).
The judging process begins with the dogs being divided into their breed classes. The judge will examine each dog individually, assessing how closely they match the ideal standards for that breed in areas like size, proportion, gait, coat, coloring, and temperament. The judge will award first through fourth place in each class.
The first place winner from each breed class will move on to the winners class, where the judge will select the best male (Winners Dog) and female (Winners Bitch) for each breed. The Winners Dog and Bitch will compete for Best of Breed honors.
The Best of Breed winners then advance to the group stage, in which they compete against other dogs of similar breed types – Sporting, Hound, Working, Terrier, Toy, Non-Sporting, Herding. The group winners finally meet in the Best in Show ring, where the judges determine the top dog (How Do Dogs Shows Work?).
Popular Breeds
Some of the most popular dog breeds seen at dog shows include:
Labrador Retrievers – With their friendly personalities and intelligence, Labs are consistently one of the top 5 most popular breeds at dog shows according to the American Kennel Club. Their short coats and classic look make them crowd favorites.
Golden Retrievers – Regal and beautiful, Golden Retrievers are a frequent top contender thanks to their lush golden coats and happy temperaments. Graceful and agile, Goldens capture attention in the ring.
German Shepherds – Known for their strength and loyalty, German Shepherds are a top working and herding breed at shows. Their athleticism and dedication shine through as they confidently execute commands.
Poodles – From their elaborate show clips to their elegance and poise, Poodles are born performers. Standard Poodles in particular carry themselves with dignity and flair that delights audiences.
Old English Sheepdogs – Old English sheepdogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in dog shows and exhibits. Here are some of its unique characteristics to help you distinguish them in the ring according to this source.
Behind the Scenes
While the main event at a dog show occurs in the ring with the judges, there is a lot of activity happening backstage to get the dogs competition-ready. Exhibitors and their grooming teams work for hours bathing, brushing, trimming, and styling the dogs to look their absolute best.
According to ShowSight Magazine, backstage involves exhibitors patiently waiting with their dogs for their turn in the ring (source). They keep the dogs relaxed and focused while making any last minute touch-ups to the grooming. There is a lot of waiting around between judging rounds.
The Westminster Dog Show offers a rare look backstage as it does not require any special passes. The public can see groomers working their magic, meeting handlers and dogs, and getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse (source). It takes a team of people to prep a show dog and keep it looking perfect.
Memorable Moments
Dog shows have produced many memorable and entertaining moments over the years that have delighted audiences. Here are some of the most notable events from past shows:
In 2010 at Crufts, a dog named Olga took matters into her own paws when she jumped up on the judging table to get a better look at the judge. The Saulkhover Shepherd was eager to be examined but her bold move startled the judge and got a big laugh from the crowd.
A lively Irish Setter named Big Red was the star of the show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1981. The energetic pup took off running around the ring, evading his perplexed handler to playfully dash around the ring much to the delight of viewers.
During a 2014 episode of the National Dog Show, an American Foxhound named Elaine peed on the floor just as she was about to walk onto the green carpet, marking her spot on national television. Thankfully, the resilient Elaine shook it off and went on to finish third in her breed group.
In one of the more chaotic moments caught on film, a Dogue de Bordeaux crashed into a Chinese Crested and nearly toppled over the judge in a 2015 Crufts competition. The massive Dogue was hoping to get a closer look and play with the little Crested, causing an unforgettable scene.
Moments like these add some unscripted fun and whimsy to these well-choreographed events, making for TV gold and viral video stardom for the canines involved.
Winning the Top Prize
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show’s top honor is Best in Show. This prestigious award is given to the dog judged to most closely conform to the breed’s ideal standards. Winning Best in Show is the pinnacle for any dog competing at Westminster.
The Westminster Dog Show has a long and storied history. The first show was held in 1877 at Gilmore’s Garden (the forerunner to Madison Square Garden). Since 1907, Best in Show has been awarded at Westminster. Over the years, many breeds have taken home this top prize.
Some notable Best in Show winners include the Smooth Fox Terrier Ch. Warren Remedy, who won in 1907, 1908, and 1909. She was the first dog to win Best in Show three times. More recently, the Sussex Spaniel Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee won Best in Show in 2009. This was the first time a Sussex Spaniel had ever won the top prize at Westminster (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Best_in_Show_winners_of_the_Westminster_Kennel_Club_Dog_Show).
In 2022, a French Bulldog named Winston took home the Best in Show title for the first time ever for the breed. Winston beat out over 3,000 other dogs representing 200 breeds and varieties recognized by the American Kennel Club (https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/sports/westminster-winners-through-the-years/).
The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show’s Best in Show award has a rich history going back over 100 years. Winning this top honor is a dream come true for dogs, owners, breeders, and handlers alike.
Celebrity Judges
The American Rescue Dog Show brings in celebrity guest judges each year to evaluate the adoptable dogs competing in various categories. In 2022, the judges included singer and choreographer Paula Abdul, actor Leslie Jordan, and actress Yvette Nicole Brown according to Variety.
These famous faces get to meet and interact with the rescue dogs brought in by shelters and rescues across the country. They evaluate the dogs on categories like Best in Wiggle Butt, Best in Snoring, Best in Couch Potato, and more. Ultimately, the judges crown one lucky dog as the Best in Rescue for the year.
Having well-known celebrity judges helps bring more attention and viewership to the heartwarming adoption event. Fans tune in to see their favorite stars gush over adorable adoptable pups. It’s a fun way to showcase these dogs’ unique personalities and help them find forever homes.
Controversies
Dog shows have attracted their fair share of controversies and scandals over the years. One of the most infamous incidents took place at the Westminster Dog Show in 1895, when several competing dogs were poisoned, leading to the deaths of at least eight dogs. This mass poisoning was suspected to be the work of gamblers who stood to profit from certain dogs losing. Concerns over animal rights have also sparked protests, including disruptions by PETA activists at Westminster Dog Show events.
Allegations of dog doping and drugging to improve performance have cast shadows over major dog shows as well. There are also debates around whether dog shows promote purebred breeding at the expense of mutts and shelter dogs. Regardless, dog shows remain hugely popular spectator events celebrated by dog lovers around the world.
Conclusion
Despite the criticisms and controversies surrounding dog shows, they continue to captivate audiences around the world. The beautiful precision of the dog’s movement and grooming, the intense competition, and seeing rare breeds up close provide entertainment that keeps viewers tuning in every year. While the focus is ostensibly on evaluating breeding stock, dog shows have evolved into a widely popular spectator sport. The enthusiasm of fans, the dedication of top breeders and handlers, and the sheer joy of seeing dogs perform incredible feats will ensure that dog shows remain a beloved tradition for years to come.
As one Reddit user noted, “Watching dogs prance around showing off is just plain fun!” [1] Though the point system and criteria may seem obscure to casual viewers, the delight of seeing dogs like Irish Wolfhounds bounding around the ring and Pomeranians puffing their chests is universal. Despite changing cultural values, dog shows endure as a celebration of the species’ oldest friend.
[1] Reddit user comment, https://www.reddit.com/r/NoStupidQuestions/comments/uqdotc/what_is_the_appeal_of_dog_shows/